BBC Chief will not ban Margaret Thatcher's Ding Dong death song

London
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'Ding Dong The Witch is Dead,' a song from the Wizard of Oz, has shot up the British charts since former prime-minister, Margaret Thatcher, died from a stroke on April, 8th. The BBC chief cannot decide if to air the song or not.

The Telegraph report that despite a row brewing over the broadcasting of 'Ding Dong The Witch is Dead,' a song that has become popular during the last week, selling over 20,000 copies and rising up the charts, the BBC chief refuses to ban the song.

'Ding Dong the Witch is Dead,' is viewed as mocking the former prime-minister's death and is being promoted and bought as a celebration of her passing.

Lord Hall, the new BBC Director-General, who started in the £450,000-a-year post last week decided not to ban the song and although as The Telegraph report, "Lord Hall believes the campaign to make the song number one is “rather tasteless,”" he has passed the decision of to air or not to air to Ben Cooper, the BBC Radio One controller.

Reactions to the airing from friends and supporters of Lady Thatcher are that the BBC would be guilty of a “serious dereliction of duty” if they continue.

Lord McAlpine, a former Conservative Party treasurer and friend of Thatcher stated that “They are letting the charts be hijacked for political purposes. I’m absolutely astounded that they are even considering playing it. It’s another example of how out of control the BBC is.”

The Telegraph report that a source from the BBC said the song is not seen in itself as offensive, so the broadcasting decision will be delayed. In addition, The Telegraph reports that since many are too young to remember Margaret Thatcher and her time in office and may not understand why this sing has suddenly become popular, the BBC is considering broadcasting a clip of the 1939 song and having an explanation as to why it is in the top spot.

Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's funeral will be held April 17.